Getting started with IDEA - IntelliJ IDEA in Action - page 5

Selecting an installation folder
The first important step of the installation process (after accepting the license
agreement) is selecting an installation folder. The installer will suggest a reason-
able default value, or you can use the file browser to pick your own. Be sure you
choose a drive with plenty of room. If multiple users will need access to IDEA ,
make sure they have read access to this directory. Write access isn't required for
this folder after installation.
If you're upgrading to a minor version of the same major release, you can
safely install over the old one. If you're upgrading from a previous major release,
install IDEA into a fresh folder. In either case, your settings will be automatically
detected, because they're stored in the user HOME folder by default.
Choosing a cache folder
Next, select a folder that IDEA can use to store its cache files. To keep things
speedy, IDEA analyzes and caches information about all your projects, your source
code, your JDK , and any libraries you're using. This data can quickly add up, so
we recommend selecting a drive with at least 100 MB to 200 MB of free space.
Again, if you're installing the application for multiple users, make sure everyone
can write to the selected directory.
Importing IDEA settings from a previous version
If you're upgrading IDEA from an older release, the installer can migrate your
settings and license information to the new version. Select the option to import
settings, and choose the installation folder of your previous version. Choose the
directory that IDEA itself is installed in, not your personal settings directory. The
installer will locate your personal directory automatically using the information
stored in the installation directory. Your settings will be migrated during the
installation process.
Creating product icons and shortcuts
In the next step, you have the option of choosing where to install the IDEA launch
icon. Your choices will vary by platform, but all the usual locations (such as the
Desktop or your platform's application folder) can be selected. If none of these
locations is appropriate, you can choose a custom location or choose not to create
any icons. If you wish to make the icon available to other users on the system,
select the Create icons for all users option.